Back M. S. Wigenasantana
Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Full Paper (PDF File: 94KB)
Abstract
The rice ecosystem is principally an artificial ecosystem which has limited diversity and, therefore, is susceptible to certain pest infestations and frequent pest outbreaks. However, heavy use of pesticides for plant protection creates new problems for the rice production program. Experience in Indonesia during the Long Term Development Plan (1969-1994) showed that the improper integration of plant protection techniques encourages the development of the brown plant hopper population (BPH). For more than 16 years, Indonesian farmers struggled to overcome the BPH problem. Consistent implementation of IPM in the rice ecosystem enabled significant reduction in BPH outbreaks in major rice producing areas. This paper discusses techniques, services, training and extension systems that are available at the sub district government level and that need to be modified in order to enhance the implementation of IPM. Changes in pesticide regulation policies a re discussed.